DOWNEY – Despite a diving accident that left him paralyzed as a child, Downey resident Gonzalo Centeno realized his dream Sunday when he graduated with a master’s degree from Cal State L.A.
Centeno earned his degree in counseling with an option in rehabilitation counseling.

Centeno suffered the injury 35 years ago and called his life since “a most fulfilling journey.” He currently works as a disability management specialist in the university’s Office for Student Disabilities (OSD), where he assists students with diverse disabilities to receive the resources and support they need to achieve their educational and professional goals.

Centeno holds a bachelor’s degree in French and was the first in his family to earn a college degree.

In August 2013, he was acknowledged by the State Department of Rehabilitation as one of “50 Notable People” in the disability community for California.